








TO 





Newport 



Rhode Island 






















A GUIDE 



TO 



NEWPORT 



RHODE ISLAND 



GABRIEL WEIS 

1 24 Bellevue Avenue 489 Fifth Avenue 

NEWPORT NEW YORK 






Copyright, 1916, by Gabriel Weis 



JUL -5 1916 



A436011 




A GUIDE 

to 
Newport, Rhode Island 

EWPORT, the Queen of Watering Places, the 
Social Capital of America, and one of the 
most beautiful spots on God's footstool, is 
also one of the oldest cities in this country, 
and one of the most interesting from an 
historical standpoint and from the number 
of its existing associations with the past. 

Newport is situated on the lower portion of the island of 
Rhode Island, called by the Indians, Aquidneck (The Isle of 
Peace). This island, about thirteen miles long and three 
wide, lying in Narragansett Bay, was the refuge to which, 
in 1637, a small band of Englishmen, headed by Dr. John 
Clark and William Coddington, fled from the colony of 
Massachusetts, in order to worship God according to their 
own belief. 

The island was bought from the Narragansett Indians, with 
the usual fairness of the white settlers, for a few garments 
and agricultural implements and two torkepes (whatever they 
may be); and the name changed to Rhode Island, perhaps a 
corrupt form of "red island", from the general reddish color 
of the rocks and soil, but more likely from a supposed simi- 
larity to the Isle of Rhodes, on account of the roses which 
grew (and still grow) in great beauty and abundance upon 
the shores. 

To Nicholas Easton must be given the credit for having 
had the far-sighted sagacity to select the site of Newport. 
The band of settlers had chosen for their abode a spot where 
was an Indian village called Pocasset (which name they 



A GUIDE TO NEWPORT 



changed to Portsmouth). But Easton wanted a better 
location; and after cruising along the coast, he and his sons, 
Peter and John, landed one morning, May 2, 1639, to be 
exact, at the point where Pelham Street now begins; ascended 
the hill, doubtless attracted by the curious stone structure 
they found at the top; and decided to remain. 

They built a cabin where Farewell Street now runs. This 
structure was destroyed by fire two years later; but other 
houses had already been erected by colonists who joined the 
Eastons, the town boundaries laid out, and Newport was 
firmly established. 

One of the new-comers was Benedict Arnold (no ancestor of 
Arnold the traitor). He became Governor of the colony, 
owned considerable land, including the hill where the "Old 
Stone Mill" stands, and is buried on this property, on the 
grounds of the Governor Van Zandt mansion on Pelham Street. 

Other prominent colonists were William Coddington and 
William Brenton, whose names are perpetuated by Codding- 
ton's Cove and Brenton's Point. Coddington was a large 
land-owner, and as Governor was ambitious to set himself 
up as a little king of the island; but his neighbors so strongly 
objected that he was compelled to leave. 

Brenton also became Governor. He owned a large estate 
which he called "Hammersmith Farm", after his native town 
in England. It is said that the first daisies in America were 
those brought from the old country by Brenton and planted 
on his farm. His residence, called "The Chimneys", was 
the first of the great mansions of which Newport has so many. 

This house, in fact the entire town of Newport, was a 
refuge for the white settlers from the Indians who ravaged 
the mainland. That part of the Narragansett tribe which 
remained on the island was always friendly and helpful to the 
whites. 

It was Brenton who surveyed the town, and who laid out 



A GUIDE TO NEWPORT 5 

two of the principal thoroughfares — Thames Street, running 
along the water-front, and Spring Street, named from a 
famous spring of water on which the settlers depended. 

The little community grew and thrived. It became a 
prosperous seaport, having a regular line of vessels running 
to London. Numerous Portuguese Jews, men of industry 
and wealth, settled in Newport, and added to its commercial 
importance. Sugar was brought from the West Indies to be 
refined here. Sperm oil, candles, cotton and woolen goods, 
sea food and farm produce, were largely exported. J. Feni- 
more Cooper's novel, "The Red Rover", describes the town 
of Newport at this time. 

For over one hundred years Newport enjoyed an unbroken 
period of peace and plenty, secure in her sturdy independence, 
governing herself and tending strictly to her own business 
and pleasure, without fear or favor of anyone. This pros- 
perity was viewed with jealous eyes by the mother country, 
and English ships of war frequently entered Newport Harbor, 
their crews making depredations upon the town, such as 
seizing herds of cattle, without offering the slightest apology 
or redress. This insolence was patiently borne by the peace- 
loving Newporters until 1765, when, incensed by repeated 
violence, a mob drove back the sailors, and set fire to their 
boats. Another street fight with British sailors, in 1768, 
resulted in the killing of one of the citizens. Instead of 
receiving reparation, the town was further insulted by having 
a regiment of English troops and a fleet of vessels sent to 
watch it. Anxious to be revenged, the Newporters seized 
and scuttled the "Liberty", a particularly obnoxious English 
vessel. This was the first actual act of rebellion of the 
American colonies against English rule; and thus Newport 
may claim the credit for being the first to light the fire of 
liberty, in 1 769, six years before the battle of Lexington. 

A second occurrence of violent retaliation against British 



A GUIDE TO NEWPORT 



oppression was on June 10, 1772, when a band of Newport 
citizens in boats, armed with cobblestones, attacked and 
burned the "Gaspe", and severely wounded her commander. 
Lieutenant Duddingston. This unprincipled ruffian had 
ruthlessly ravaged the Rhode Island coast for several months, 
destroying unoffending fishing vessels, and confiscating every- 
thing he could lay hands on. The attack on the "Gaspe" 
caused the first bloodshed in the struggle for American inde- 
pendence, and was the first resistance to the British navy. 

A little later, the Newporters refused to salute the British 
flag, and nursing their grievances, they hastened to join 
Massachusetts and Virginia in a confederacy against the 
unkind and exceedingly unwise mother country. The 
Newport Light Infantry was organized in 1774, Fort George 
was fortified, stores of provisions and munitions v/ere laid in, 
and everything put in readiness for the rapidly approaching 
struggle. When the news of the Lexington fight reached 
Newport, she was ready; and from that moment until the 
victorious end of the Revolution, Newport played a promi- 
nent part. 

Washington once complained that the Rhode Island troops, 
by their excessive zeal, gave him more trouble than any men 
in his army. Colonel Olney, their commander, replied, 
"That is precisely what the enemy says." Newport alone 
furnished 4,000 men to the infant American navy. 

A British officer wrote to Abraham Whipple, who led the 
attack on the "Gaspe", — "I will hang you at the yard-arm." 
To which Whipple answered, "Always catch a man before 
you hang him." 

The exposed position of Newport placed her directly under 
the fire of British vessels, but also enabled her to communicate 
to neighboring towns the news of the enemy's movements, by 
means of enormous brushwood fires lighted on top of Beacon 
Hill, overlooking the ocean. 



A GUIDE TO NEWPORT 



On one occasion, when Sir James Wallace, the British 
commander, threatened to fire on Newport and warned the 
inhabitants to leave, certain women refused to do so, and 
thereby saved the town, as the officer was unwilling to war 
against women. All of the able-bodied men were in the 
army, all manufacturing and commerce ceased, and the 
town was practically abandoned. 

In 1776, a British fleet arrived with 10,000 men, who v/ere 
quartered in the houses and churches. Trinity Church alone 
was spared from desecration, as its steeple bore a crown, 
which the troops considered to be the crown of England. 
This crown remains on Old Trinity at the present day. 

In the spring of 1777, General Prescott was placed in 
command at Newport. This tyrannical officer held such 
insolent and despotic rule over the poor townspeople as to 
procure for him their deepest hatred. His headquarters 
were in the colonial mansion still standing at the corner of 
Pelham and Spring Streets, then owned by John Bannister, 
a wealthy citizen. 

General Prescott did not like the Spring Street cobble- 
stones, and repaved the road with stone door-steps seized 
from the neighboring houses. These steps were reclaimed 
and lovingly replaced by their owners after the war. 

Prescott was captured in 1777 at his summer home by a 
daring band of Yankees under Col. William Barton. 

On the 28th and 29th of August, 1778, Newport was the 
scene of one of the most important and hardest fought battles 
of the Revolution — the Battle of Rhode Island. The Ameri- 
can forces under General Sullivan, having been left unsup- 
ported by the departure of the French fleet under Count 
d'Estaing, were obliged to withstand the furious onslaughts 
of the British and Hessian troops under Lord Howe. Sulli- 
van's men were in the worst possible condition, but acquitted 
themselves with great bravery and spirit. Although the 



A GUIDE TO NEWPORT 



battle resulted in the retreat of the American army, the 
effect was that of a victory over the British. 

The retreat was none too soon, for heavy British reinforce- 
ments arrived, and General Prescott once more commanded 
the town. The winter of 1778 was so severe that all the 
available timber was used as fuel for the foreign troops; and 
to this is due the fact that Newport to this day has hardly 
any wood-land. As nothing was to be gained by remaining, 
the British forces evacuated Newport on October 25, 1779, 
leaving the once fair and prosperous town almost in ruins. 
Only the "Old Stone Mill" resisted the destruction, although 
kegs of powder were exploded under it. But once more 
Newport was free, and in the possession of her citizens. They 
repaired the demolished buildings, and resumed their business 
pursuits. They gladly welcomed the French forces under 
Comte de Rochambeau. This gallant officer, who wore a 
muff, was quartered in the Old Vernon house, still standing 
at the corner of Clarke and Mary Streets. 

The Frenchmen paid well for their supplies, the town began 
to revive, and on the 25th of August, 1 780, a grand fete was 
held, in which the Americans and Frenchmen, the Quakers 
and even the few remaining Indians joined to celebrate the 
return of peace. From that date, Newport may be said 
to have entered upon its unbroken career as the Social Capital 
of America. 

On March 6, 1781, General Washington, with all the 
dignity and splendor of a conqueror, visited Newport, staying 
at Rochambeau's headquarters. A grand procession, dinner, 
and ball made this the most elaborate affair Newport had 
ever seen. 

Newport was incorporated as a city on June 4, 1784, 
George Hazard being the first mayor. 

Well does Newport deserve all the fine things that have been 
said of her. This city has always been a harbor of refuge. 



A GUIDE TO NEWPORT 



especially for religious liberty and for rest and recuperation. 
Here the first settlers came in order to worship God as they 
pleased. Here for the same reason came, as early as 1 666, a 
large body of Quakers. Here the sect of the Baptists was 
probably founded. Here came the Jews as early as 1658, 
and their synagogue, still standing on Touro Street, is the 
oldest in America. Cotton Mather called Newport "the 
common receptacle of the convicts of Jerusalem and the 
outcasts of the land". 

The Lisbon earthquake and the Inquisition drove many 
Portuguese Jews to Newport, among them the rich Lopez, 
who owned Lopez Wharf, and tie Touros, for whom Touro 
Street and Touro Park are named. They sleep in the quaint 
old cemetery near the synagogue. As Longfellow says, — 

"How strange it seems! These Hebrews in their graves 
Close by the street of this fair seaport town." 

One of the pastors of the First Congregational Church in 
Newport was the Rev. Samuel Hopkins, the hero of Mrs. 
Stowe's novel, "The Minister's Wooing", which gives an 
excellent picture of Newport after the Revolution. 

Trinity Church, on Spring Street, corner of Church Street, 
the oldest Episcopal church in the city, was built in 1725, 
although the congregation was organized much earlier. When 
finished, it was pronounced to be "the most beautiful timber 
structure in America". It has narrowly escaped destruction 
by storm and fire. On one occasion it was saved only by a 
bucket brigade composed of women. The interior of the 
church is very quaint, with its high box-stall pews and 
ancient pulpit with sounding-board, — the only three-decked 
pulpit still in service in New England. Many memorial 
tablets are on the walls, and the organ was presented by 
George Berkeley, Bishop of Cloyne, in 1733. The sur- 
rounding graveyard contains many historical names on its 
mouldering stones, among them that of William Jefferay, the 



10 A GUIDE TO NEWPORT 

regicide; and the Rev. James Honyman, one of the founders 
of the church. 

Kay Chapel, connected with Trinity, is at the corner of 
High and Church Streets. It is the gift of Nathaniel Kay, 
who died in 1734, and is buried in the yard. Kay Street is 
also named for him. 

The Catholic faith did not gain a foothold in Newport until 
the French occupation under Rochambeau. As there was no 
Catholic church, mass was held daily in the State House, in 
which any religious sect was free to worship. 

The old State House, facing Washington Square, was built 
in 1 739, and has been the scene of many important proceed- 
ings. From the State House steps the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence was read on July 20, 1776. For over 250 years, 
Newport was one of the capitals of Rhode Island, until 
the beginning of the present century, when the state govern- 
ment was centered at Providence. 

The Granary, situate at the head of Long Wharf, and 
facing the "Parade" or Washington Square, was erected in 
1763. It is after the Ionic order of architecture and cost 
£ 24,000, which sum was raised by a lottery. It was origi- 
nally intended for a public market or granary, the records 
saying that the "upper part shall be divided into stores for 
dry goods, and all rents thereof, together with all profits 
be lodged in the town treasury of Newport toward a stock for 
purchasing grain for supplying a Public Granary forever. 
The lower part shall be used as a Market House, and for no 
other use forever." However, the old Granary was later 
renovated, and used for years as the City Hall. It is now 
a novelty shop. 

Redwood Library, on Bellevue Avenue, one of the oldest 
libraries in America, was founded in 1 747, by a number of gen- 
erous citizens, chief of whom was Abraham Redwood, a 
Quaker, its first president. The library is filled with rare 



A GUIDE TO NEWPORT 1 1 

old books, paintings, and curiosities. It suffered from the 
vandalism of the British soldiers during the Revolution; and 
only in recent years, through the public spirit of some of 
the members, has it regained its former standing. 

On the grounds of the Redwood Library there grows a 
splendid fern-beech tree, so called from having been pro- 
duced by the grafting of a fern upon a beech, by one Robert 
Johnston; this is the parent tree of all others of this par- 
ticular species. 

The People's Library, in Aquidneck Park, at Spring and 
Bowery Streets, is Newport's free public library. Both the 
building and the park on which it stands were presented 
to the people of Newport by George Gordon King, a public- 
spirited citizen. Strangers, by the deposit of $2.00, are 
allowed the privileges of residents. 

The Newport Historical Society, lower down on Touro 
Street, is housed in the old Seventh-Day Baptist Meeting- 
house, which has been recently completely encased in a 
fireproof structure. This is a veritable treasure-house of 
books and relics pertaining to Newport history. 

Newport is the birthplace of Oliver Hazard Perry and 
Matthew Perry, the naval heroes, whose monuments stand 
in Washington Square and Touro Park. 

Also in Touro Park stands the statue of one of Newport's 
greatest sons, William Ellery Channing, facing the Channing 
Memorial Church, a leading member of the Unitarian faith, 
which Channing founded. The beautiful stained-glass 
windows in this edifice are the work of John La Farge, and 
are considered the finest examples of this branch of art in 
America. 

In the center of Touro Park, on the highest point of Rhode 
Island, stands the "Old Stone Mill", certainly the oldest and 
most interesting relic to be found in Newport, if not in the 
entire United States. This ancient structure, concerning the 



12 A GUIDE TO NEWPORT 

origin of which no positive information exists, has always 
been the subject of a controversy which will probably never 
be settled. It is claimed by many who have given the matter 
deep and lengthy research, that this stone tower was erected 
by the Norsemen, on one of their pre-historic visits to 
America, as far back as the tenth century. It has been 
conjectured that the structure was intended as a beacon, to 
guide vessels; as a watch-tower; as a temple of worship; 
as a refuge from wild beasts and savages; and Longfellow in 
his "Skeleton in Armor" makes the old Viking sing: 

"There for my lady's bower 
Built I the lofty tower. 
Which, to this very hour, 

Stands looking seaward." 

Other and more prosaic students declare that the structure 
is not pre-historic at all, but that it was built as a windmill by 
Governor Benedict Arnold, after a somewhat similar mill near 
his former home at Leamington (or Chesterton), England. 
It is certain that Arnold owned the land upon which the 
tower stands, for in his will, he mentioned the fact, but he 
did not state that he built the mill; and it is moreover 
extremely doubtful if it ever was a mill at all, as the structure 
is not in the least adapted to the uses of a mill. 

It is also said that the Indians found the tower when they 
took possession of the country, and that they could give no 
account of its origin. Clouded by so much conjecture and 
dispute, a few facts regarding this ancient ruin may be 
stated as certainties. It was skilfully built by human hands, 
from materials easily obtainable; it is constructed of wedge- 
shaped stones, cemented with shell-lime mortar, the walls, 
in the form of a true circle, being supported by eight pillars, 
forming open arches exactly on the points of the compass. In 
the wall, over one of the pillars, a fireplace is set, from which 
two flues run to the top. Two windows are irregularly 



A GUIDE TO NEWPORT 13 

placed in the wall, perhaps indicating that a staircase con- 
nected two floors. 

Some of the stones bear marks which may be construed as 
having Masonic significance. It is said that similar towers 
have been found in Scandinavian countries, which would 
give some credence to the theory that the Norsemen built 
this tower in Newport. But without deciding by whom, or 
for what purpose, it was built, let us simply say that here it 
stands, as it has stood for centuries, known as the "Old Stone 
Mill", a most remarkable relic of the forgotten past. 
* * * * 

Newport, we repeat, and summer visitors for over two 
hundred years have proclaimed it, is one of the loveliest and 
most desirable places of residence in the whole world. No 
section of America combines so delightfully all the pleasures 
and beauties of the seashore, with beach, surf, and rocks, 
together with all the charms and attractions of the country, 
with magnificent drives, spacious green fields, and beautiful 
gardens. 

Blessed with a particularly healthful and pleasant climate, 
with all the advantages of bracing salt air, safe ocean bathing, 
and ample opportunity for sports of every description, 
Newport possesses vivacity and gayety which seem natural 
elements. Here invalids regain health, and well persons 
preserve it. Insomnia is unknown. The inhabitants are 
noted for their long, contented lives. 

Foremost among the natural advantages are Newport's 
beaches. The most frequented is Newport, or Easton's, 
Beach, named after Nicholas Easton, the first settler, whose 
farm included this property. This is one of the finest and 
safest beaches on the Atlantic seaboard. It lies at the foot of 
Bath Road, and, easily reached by trolley cars, is immedi- 
ately the Mecca for excursionists, who may here enjoy first 
of all, a "dip" into the ocean, then a genuine Rhode Island 



14 A GUIDE TO NEWPORT 

shore dinner, then dancing, and all the other amusements of 
a well-regulated seaside resort. 

Although the "rollers" on Easton's Beach are often of 
considerable height, yet the shore slopes so gradually, without 
holes or quicksands, that very few fatalities have ever 
occurred. The beach sometimes abounds with seaweed or 
algae of a reddish color, but its presence need not deter bathers 
from entering the water, as this seaweed is perfectly clean, 
and in fact possesses decidedly health-giving properties. 
It is gathered by farmers for fertilizing. 

The large pond opposite Easton's Beach, across Bath 
Road, contains fresh water, strange to say, and is in fact 
Newport's reservoir. 

Beyond Easton's Beach, separated by the promontory on 
which stands the Clambake Club, lie Second (or Sachuest) 
and Third Beaches; Second Beach is the largest in extent, 
but is considered dangerous. 

On the way to Second Beach, one should not miss seeing 
"Purgatory", a dizzy chasm cut into the high cliffs fronting 
on the water's edge. The ledge of rock is rent in twain by a 
sudden cleft over fifty feet high, from eight to twenty-four 
in width, and 1 62 feet long. Into this chasm the waves surge 
and boil as in a devil's cauldron. Indeed, the spot bears 
an ill name, as it has been the appropriate scene of more than 
one accident and suicide. A small stone on the summit 
bearing the initials "A. G. L.", commemorates the death 
of the son of Governor Lawrence, who met his death acci- 
dentally, while on a gunning expedition. 

Nearby are the Hanging Rocks. On these picturesque 
rocks is a spacious niche called "Bishop Berkeley's Chair". 
The good Bishop's residence, "White Hall", is in the vicinity. 

At the extreme end of Bellevue Avenue is Bailey's Beach, 
the society bathing-grounds, to which only subscribers are 
admitted. 



A GUIDE TO NEWPORT 15 

No visit to Newport is complete without including the 
"Cliff Walk" and the "Ocean Drive". The Cliff Walk has 
justly been called by travelers competent to judge, the most 
beautiful walk in the world. It is a public path, beginning 
at Bath Road, just above Easton's Beach, and winding over 
the rocky cliffs and spacious lawns that border upon the 
ocean, for three and a half miles, until it reaches Bailey's 
Beach. On one side, forty feet below the path, the restless 
waves dash against the rocks; while on the other hand, lies 
a matchless panorama of no less than fifty estates, including 
some of America's most elegant residences, embowered in 
gardens of surpassing luxuriance. 

Where Narragansett Avenue begins at the Cliff Walk is 
the wild and picturesque spot known as the "Forty Steps", 
so called from an iron stairway which leads from the road to 
the precipitous rocks below. In stormy weather, the spectacle 
of the angry waves dashing over the "Forty Steps" is awe- 
inspiring; and many too- venturesome persons have here 
lost their balance — and their lives. 

The Cliff Walk winds to Ochre Point, where stands Mrs. 
Cornelius Vanderbilt's magnificent home, "The Breakers". 
It passes under the ornate Chinese tea-house erected by 
Mrs. 0. H. P. Belmont, near her mansion, "Marble House". 
Among other beautiful residences along the Cliff Walk may 
be mentioned those of Mr. William Gammell, Mr. Thomas 
Shaw Safe, Mr. Robert Goelet, Mrs. Ogden Goelet, Mrs. 
Hamilton McK. Twombly, Mr. August Belmont, Mrs. 
William Bateman Leeds, Mr. Vincent Astor, Mr. Elbridge T. 
Gerry, and Governor R. Livingston Beeckman. The Walk 
finally comes to an end when Bailey's Beach is reached, 
passing "Lippitt Castle", the immense baronial residence 
of Ex-Governor Lippitt. 

The far-famed Ocean Drive begins where the Cliff Walk 
ends. It certainly ranks as one of the most beautiful drives 



16 A GUIDE TO NEWPORT 

in America. Ocean Avenue skirts the water's edge for many 
miles, passing through scenes of the wildest nature, mingled 
with the most lavish displays of ornate architecture and 
landscape gardening. At the west end of Bailey's Beach is 
the famous Spouting Rock — which, however, spouts no 
longer. The ten miles of the Ocean Drive take the delighted 
observer along the south shore, past Hazard's Beach; Goose- 
berry Island; Graves Point (so-called from the graves of two 
shipwrecked sailors buried there), where the most exclusive 
and extravagant fishing club in the country has its club-house; 
past Bateman's, where a summer-house has been built, a 
replica of the Old Stone Mill, (to mystify future archaeo- 
logists); past Castle Hill, Fort Adams, and Brenton's Cove; 
along the crest of Halidon Hill; and back to the city by way 
of Harrison Avenue. 

But before reaching the Ocean Drive, one must travel the 
length of Bellevue Avenue, that world-famous thoroughfare 
of wealth and fashion, running from the top of Touro Street, 
at the Jews' Cemetery, in a straight line for three miles to 
Bailey's Beach. This splendid avenue was first merely a lane 
called Jew Street, extending only to Bowery Street. But as 
Newport increase'd in favor as a summer resort, and attracted 
a larger number of the wealthiest and most prominent 
members of society, sporting, and national life, the avenue 
was laid out on a generous scale, furnishing on both sides of 
the road splendid sites for the palatial residences which the 
rich owners were not slow to build. Perhaps no other resi- 
dential thoroughfare of equal length in the entire world 
presents so great a magnificence and represents so much 
wealth as Bellevue Avenue. 

After Touro Park is passed, comes a succession of shops 
which cater to the wants and caprices of the fashionable 
throng, and are mostly run during the summer season by lead- 
ing New York firms. 



A GUIDE TO NEWPORT 17 

The Casino, at the corner of Bath Road, is the center of 
Newport's gayety. This is a private club, to which the 
members of the social colony subscribe. Within the Casino's 
spacious grounds are facilities for sports and pleasures of 
various kinds; here the annual Horse Show, the Tennis 
Tournament, and similar affairs are held. The public is 
admitted to the Sunday evening musical concerts. 

Other drives in Newport well worth taking are: the West 
Road, from Broadway to Bristol Ferry, nine miles by Law- 
ton's Valley, the coal mine, and Portsmouth Grove; the 
East Road, from Broadway to Stone Bridge, twelve miles; 
Paradise Road, from Second Beach, by the Hanging Rocks, 
to Indian Avenue, and along the east shore. 

The splendid estates along Bellevue Avenue, (and indeed 
along all the main thoroughfares of Newport), may be 
readily identified by the fanciful and mellifluent names given 
them by their owners, and which generally appear (out of 
consideration for the curiosity of strangers) upon the gate- 
posts. To ascertain the occupants of any residence, the 
reader of this guide-book has only to consult the alphabetical 
list of cottages contained herein. 

The Newport Artillery Company is the oldest Military 
Organization in the country, having received its Charter from 
King George of England in 1741, and having been organized 
from 1741 up to the present date. Some of the best citizens 
of the city have been its officers, and many have served in its 
ranks. It holds an enviable position in the military world, 
and forms the body guard of the Governor of Rhode Island. 
Its Armory is situated on Clark Street, off Washington Square, 
and visitors are always welcome. 

Newport has always been a military, and especially a naval 
base for the United States Government. Its location on the 
Atlantic coast, its fine harbor and numerous islands, render it 
particularly adaptable as a headquarters for Uncle Sam's 



18 A GUIDE TO NEWPORT 

big ships; while the officers contribute no small part to 
Newport's social life. In fact, many of them have liked the 
old city so well that they have made their permanent homes 
here. 

Fort Adams and Fort Greble, the Naval Training Station, 
the War College, the Torpedo Station, etc., are established 
in Newport harbor. 

Fort Adams was laid out in 1 799 on Brenton's Point by the 
Chevalier de Tousard, a French engineer in Rochambeau's 
army, and was named in honor of President John Adams. 
The fort was greatly enlarged and strengthened in 1824 by 
Major Totten. 

The Training Station and the War College are on Coasters' 
Harbor Island, and the Torpedo Station is on Goat Island, 
both easy of access in the harbor. 

Lime Rock Light, in the inner harbor, was kept for many 
years by the famous Ida Lewis, the "Grace Darling of 
America", so called from having saved so many lives from 
drowning. 

On Mill Street, facing Touro Park, is the fine old mansion 
where lived Major-General Nathaniel Greene. Here he 
entertained Lafayette, Baron Steuben, Kosciusko, and other 
celebrities. Governor Gibbs later resided in this house. 

The Newport Mercury is the oldest newspaper in America, 
having been established in 1758 by James Franklin, nephew 
of Benjamin Franklin. 

Among the celebrities who have lived at Newport may be 
mentioned Professor Agassiz, Washington Allston, the 
painter, George Bancroft, James Gordon Bennett, Professor 
and Mrs. Botta, Julia Ward Howe, Dr. William Bull, 
J. Fenimore Cooper, F. Marion Crawford, Thomas Went- 
worth Higginson, Bishop Henry Codman Potter, John La 
Farge, Professor Pumpelly, Charlotte Cushman, Gilbert 
Stuart, Edward G. Malbone, the miniaturist; Corne, the 



A GUIDE TO NEWPORT 19 



Italian painter (and the first person to eat tomatoes); and 
many others noted in art, literature, science, and public 
life. Captain Kidd, the pirate, made Newport his head- 
quarters, living in a house on Franklin Street, near the post- 
office. Perhaps his treasure still lies buried somewhere in 
Newport, or its environs. 

These environs require a word of notice. On the island of 
Rhode Island proper, are the towns of Portsmouth and 
Middletown. The latter is the home of St. George's School, 
one of the best preparatory boys' schools in the country. In 
Portsmouth there is a coal mine, which has lain in disuse 
since the eighteenth century. 

Jamestov/n is situated on a beautiful island In Narragansett 
Bay, to the west of Newport, and has a large summer colony 
of its own. While across the bay, on the mainland, is Nar- 
ragansett Pier, a summer resort which vies with Newport 
in the number of its wealthy summer visitors and in the 
splendor of its social affairs. 

But with Newport alone Is this guide concerned. The city 
has over 30,000 Inhabitants who reside here all the year 
round, and it is said that this population is increasing grad- 
ually. But the number of people who spend all or part of 
their summer in Newport, and the hordes of excursionists 
who enjoy its charms for at least one day, is beyond computa- 
tion; and it may be said with certainty that this number is 
not decreasing, but that each year, and for as many years 
as Newport possesses its peerless beauties that have made it 
the Social Capital of America, and the loveliest summer resort 
in the world, it will continue to attract new admirers from 
every part of the globe. 



20 A GUIDE TO NEWPORT 



List of Churches in Newport 

BAPTIST. 

First Baptist John Clarke Memorial Church, Spring St., cor. Sherman. 

Second Baptist Church, Clarke St. 

Mount Olivet Baptist Church (Colored), 79 Thames St. 

Shiloh Baptist Church (Colored), School and Mary Sts. 

CONGREGATIONAL. 

Union Congregational Church (Colored), Division St., bet. Church and Mary. 

United Congregational Church, Spring and Pelham Sts. 

EPISCOPAL. 

Emmanuel Church, Spring and Dearborn Sts. 
St. George's Church, Rhode Island Av., near Broadway. 
Trinity Church, Spring and Church Sts. 

Zabriskie Memorial Church of St. John the Evangelist, Washington and 
Willow Sts. 

EVANGELICAL. 

Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church, Corne St. 

FRIENDS. 

Society of Friends Meeting-house, Farewell and Marlborough Sts. 

JEWISH. 

Touro Synagogue (Jeshuath Israel), Touro St. 

METHODIST. 

First Methodist Episcopal Church, Marlborough St., near Charles. 

Mt. Zion A. M. E. Church (Colored), Bellevue Av., next to Jewish Cemetery. 

Swedish M. E. Church, Annandale Road. 

Thames Street M. E. Church, Thames and Brewer Sts. 

PRESBYTERIAN. 

First Presbyterian Church, Broadway and Equality Park. 

ROMAN CATHOLIC. 

Church of the Holy Name of Mary, Our Lady of the Isle, Spring and Mary 

Sts. 
St. Augustin Church, Carroll Av., cor Harrison Av. 
St. Joseph's Church, Broadway, cor. Mann Av. 

UNITARIAN. 

Channing Memorial Church, Pelham St., opp. Touro Park. 

OTHER RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

Christian Science Society, "Old Meeting House", Barney St. 

Salvation Army, 29 Touro St. 



A GUIDE TO NEWPORT 21 



List of Cottages 

Althorp, Ochre Point, John Thompson Spencer. 

Anchorage, The, Old Beach Road. Dr. S. C. Powell. 

Anglesea, Ochre Point, Mrs. Frederick Pearson. 

Armsea Hall, Charles F. Hoffman. 

Athenwood, Rhode Island Avenue, John W. Burgess. 

Bay Bank, Washington Street, W. B. Fletcher. 

Bay View, Halidon Avenue, Lewis Quentin Jones. 

Beachmound, Bellevue Avenue, (Thaw) Mrs. Fletcher Ryer. 

Beacon Hill House, Arthur Curtiss James. 

Beacon Rock. Harrison Avenue, Edwin D. Morgan. 

Beaucoin, 53 Everett Street, John DuFais. 

Beaulieu, Bellevue Avenue, Cornelius Vanderbilt. 

Beaumaris, Brenton and Wickham Roads, J. G. Wentz. 

Beech Bound. Harrison Avenue, Mrs. A. A. Clarke. 

Beech Lodge, 127 Rhode Island Avenue, Miss Louise W. McAllister. 

Beechwood, Bellevue Avenue, Vincent Astor. 

Belcourt, Lake View Avenue. Belmont Estate. 

Bellacre, Ledge Road and Bellevue Avenue, 0. G. Jennings. 

Belmead, Bellevue and Ruggles Avenues. Mrs. George S. Scott. 

Berkeley Villa. Bellevue Avenue, Miss Martha C. Codman. 

Bethshan, Gibbs Avenue, Mrs. Theodore K. Gibbs, 

Bleak House, Ocean Avenue, Marsden J. Perry. 

Bluffs, The, Tuckerman Avenue, (Bancroft) Miss Helen Brice. 

Bonniecrest, Harrison Avenue, Stuart Duncan. 

Boxcroft, 17 Red Cross Avenue, Miss Mary Appleton. 

Breakers, The. Ochre Point. Mrs. Vanderbilt. 

Breakwater, The, Ledge Road, Charles Warren Lippitt. 

Brent Lodge, R. I. Avenue. (Miss Mason) Mrs. Geo. L. Bradley. 

Broadlawns. Ridge Road, (Ledyard) Mrs. George T. Bliss. 

Bushy Park. Bath Road and Cliff Avenue, Dr. R. V. Mattison. 

By-the-Sea. Bellevue and Marine Avenues. August Belmont. 

Castlewood. Girard Avenue. Mrs. Hanan. 

Cave Cliff. Leroy Avenue. Mrs. John Rutledge Abney. 

Cedars. The. Catherine Street. Mrs. Edward T. Potter. 

Chalet. The, Halidon Hill, H. L. Willoughby. , , , t 

Chastellux, Chastellux Avenue, (Spencer) Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt, Jr. 

Chateau-sur-Mer, Bellevue Avenue, George Peabody Wetmore. 

Chateau Nooga, Bellevue Avenue, W. B. Bristow. 

Chepstow. Narragansett Avenue, R. Horace Gallatin. 

Cherry Neck Bungalow, Ocean Avenue, Huntington Wilson. 

Chetwode, Bellevue Avenue, W. Storrs Wells. 

Claradon Court. Bellevue Avenue, E. C. Knight, Jr. 

Cliffs, The, Annandale Road. (Fearing) Mrs. Richard H. Townsend. 

Cloisters. The, Ochre Point, William Woodward. 

Clover Nook, Annandale Road. Cazeau Pinard. 

Coed Mawr. Indian Avenue. Rev. J. P. Conover. 

Cosy Nook, Bellevue Avenue, Mrs. E. G. Tinker. 

Court End Cottage, Bellevue Court, Admiral C. McR. Winslow. 

Crossways, Ocean Avenue, Stuyvesant Fish. 



22 A GUIDE TO NEWPORT __^ 

Daisy Bank, Clay Street, (Herrick) Dr. Valentine Mott. 

Daleswell, Gibbs Avenue, James Andrews Swan. 

DeRham Cottage, Bellevue Avenue, (Weld) George Howard. 

Dyke, The, Eustis Avenue, (Ellis) Miss Mabel Norman. 

Eastbourne Lodge, R. I. Avenue, Henry J. Whitehouse. 

Echo Nook, Dudley Avenue, H. E. Yarnell. 

Edgehill, Beacon Hill Road (James) E. Hayward Ferry. 

Edna Villa, Bellevue Avenue, Milton S. Barger. 

Elm Court, Bellevue Avenue, Mrs. Burke-Roche. 

Elm Lodge, Old Beach Road, (Hone) Mrs. Schuyler Van Rensselaer. 

Elms, The, Bellevue Avenue, Edward J. Berwind. 

Fairhaven, Catherine Street, Col. Joseph H. Willard. 

Fairholm, Ochre Point, John R. Drexel. 

Fairlawn, Bellevue Avenue, Mrs. I. Townsend Burden. 

Faxon Lodge, Cliff Avenue, Frank K. Sturgis. 

Fo-Castle, Ocean Drive, Mrs. William Murray. 

Friedheim, Harrison Avenue, H. 0. Havemeyer. 

Gables, The, Rhode Island Avenue, (Potter) Mrs. Henry Winthrop Gray. 

Gooseneck, Ocean Avenue, Jerome C. Borden. 

Gravelcourt, Narragansett Avenue, (Lanier) R. K. Cassatt. 

Gray Craig, Paradise Avenue, Mrs. F. W. Goodman. 

Gray Croft, Berkeley Avenue, (Flint) Harry LaMontagne. 

Greystone, Ochre Point, Mrs. John J. Wysong. 

Gull Rock, Yznaga Avenue, (Sorchan) Leonard M. Thomas. 

Hammersmith Farm, Harrison Avenue, Mrs. Hugh D. Auchincloss. 

Harbourcourt, Halidon Hill, Mrs. John Nicholas Brown. 

Harbourview, Halidon Hill, Mrs. French Vanderbilt. 

Harrison House, Harrison Avenue, Gibson Fahnestock. 

Hawthorne Villa, Carroll Avenue, H. A. Stevenson. 

Heartsease. Kay and Ayrault Streets, C. L. F. Robinson. 

Hillside, Gibbs Avenue, Arthur B. Emmons. 

Hilltop, Carroll Avenue, (Phinney) E. S. Reynal. 

Home Lodge, Catherine and Ayrault Streets, Mrs. Lorillard. 

Honeysuckle Lodge, Ruggles Avenue, T. Suffern Tailer. 

Hopedene. The Cliffs, Mrs. E. H. G. Slater. 

Hypothenuse, The, Catherine Street, (Waring) Mrs. David Nevms. 

Idle Hour, Dudley Avenue, (Bull) Captain C. S. Williams. 

Inchiquin, Bellevue Avenue, (Livermore) James B. Duke. 

Indian Spring, Ocean Avenue, Mrs. J. R. Busk. 

Karlsruhe, One Mile Corner, Charles M. Bull. 

Kedge, The, Gibbs Avenue, John Borland. 

Kingscote, Bowery Street, Mrs. David King. 

Land's End, Ledge Road, R, Livingston Beeckman. 

Lazy Lawn, Third Beach Road, Miss Frances R. Arnold. 

Ledges, The, Ocean Avenue, Howard G. Gushing. 

Linden Gate, Rhode Island Avenue, Dr. Roderick Terry. 

Longacre, Old Beach Road, Mrs. Walter N. Eldridge. 

Longwood, Bay View Drive, Jamestown, Pere L. Wickes. 

Louisiana, Easton's Point, Lyman C. Josephs. 

Malbone, Malbone Avenue, Mrs. Francis Morris. 

Maplehurst, Bellevue Avenue, (Mrs. Gill) Mrs. R. C. Vanderbilt. 

Mapleshade, Red Cross Avenue, Mrs. Stuyvesant Leroy. 



A GUIDE TO NEWPORT 23 

Marble House. Bellevue Avenue, Mrs. 0. H. P. Belmont. 
Mariemont, Honeyman Hill. Mrs. T. J. Emery. 
Marievilla, 68 Ayrault Street, (Wrightington). 
Maryholme, 123 Gibbs Avenue, (Sterner) Dudley Davis. 
Mayfield, Bellevue Avenue, Mrs. William E. Glyn. 
Mid-Cliff. Ochre Point, Miss C. 0. Jones. 
Mill Cottage, Bellevue Avenue, Mrs. Theodore F. Kane. 
Miramar, Bellevue Avenue, Mrs. George D. Widener. 
Mon Etui, 44 Bellevue Avenue, Mrs. James J. Brown. 
Moorings, The, Harrison Avenue, Mrs. Robert R. Hitt. 
Mossbank. 58 Washington Street. Dr. H. R. Storer. 
Mount Airie. Harrison Avenue. Mrs. E. Livingston Ludlow. 
Needwood. Parker Avenue. Miss Georgianna Gordon King. 
Nethercliff, Ochre Point. (Shields) Craig Biddle. 
New House, Purgatory Road, Miss Mary B. Child. 
New Lodge, Bellevue Avenue (Fairchild). 
Northhouse, The Cliffs, William Gammell. 
Oakland Farm. South Portsmouth, Vanderbilt estate. 
Oaklawn, Narragansett Avenue, James Stillman. 

Oak View Villa. Bellevue and Narragansett Avenues. J. Stewart Barney. 

Ocean Lawn. Narragansett Avenue, Mrs. T. Shaw Safe. 

Ocean View, Bellevue Avenue and The Cliffs, Ogden Mills. 

Ochre Court. Ochre Point. Mrs. Odgen Goelet. 

Ochre Lodge, Ochre Point (Eldridge). 

Orchard, The, (Fearing), Mrs. William F. Draper. 

Park Gate, Pelham Street and Bellevue Avenue, Annie, Countess Leary. 

Pen Craig, Harrison Avenue, Mrs. Sidney V/ebster. 

Pen Craig Cottage, Harrison Avenue, Hamilton Fish Webster. 

Pinecroft, Purgatory Road, (St. George's School). 

Pine Lodge, 32 Catherine St., (Hole) apartments. 

Pines, The, Ward and Clay Streets, H. M. Harriman. 

Pleasaunce, R. L Avenue, Miss Austin Stevens. 

Poplars, The, Leroy Avenue, Henry P. Perry, 

Porter Villa, Greenough Place, Mrs. Francis C. Van Horn. 

Postscript, The, Eustis Avenue. 

Quarterfoil, 95 Narragansett Avenue, (Carter) W. Goadby Low. 

Ravens, The, Bliss Road, Mrs. Edmund Rice. 

Redbeech Cottage, 2 Red Cross Avenue, (Buchanan). 

Red Cross Cottage, Oakwood Terrace, Henry H. Ward. 

Reef, The, Brenton's Point, Mrs. E. B. Andrews. 

Restmere, Miantonomi Avenue, A. L. Audrain. 

Ridgemere, Leroy Avenue, Miss Fanny Foster. 

Rockhurst, Bellevue Avenue, Mrs. H. Mortimer Brooks. 

Rockledge, Ocean Drive, John Neilson. 

Rockry Hall, Bellevue Avenue, Paul A. Andrews. 

Rocks, The, Ocean Avenue and Bailey's Beach, Henry Clews. 

Rose Cliff, Bellevue Avenue, Mrs. Herman Oelrichs. 

Roselawn, Bellevue Avenue, Gen. J. Fred Pierson. 

Rosetta Cottage, Bellevue Avenue. Walter E. Maynard. 
Rosevale, Narragansett Avenue. Mrs. A. C. Dulles. 
Roslyn, Beacon Hill, Mrs. William Grosvenor. 
Rough Point, Bellevue Avenue, Mrs. Wm. B. Leeds. 



24 A GUIDE TO NEWPORT 

Royal Oaks, Bellevue Avenue, (Knight) Oliver Perin. 

Sandy Point Farm, So. Portsmouth, Reginald C. Vanderbilt. 

San Souci, Merton Road, James V. Parker. 

Seabeach, Ocean Avenue, P. A. Clark. 

Seacroft, Honeyman Hill Road, Charles J. Livingood. 

Seafield, Ocean Avenue, George Henry Warren. 

Seaverge, Bellevue Avenue, Elbridge T. Gerry. 

Sea View, Marine Avenue, Mrs. James P. Kernochan. 

Sea Weed, Bailey's Beach, C. W. Dolan. :i. 

Shady Nook, Bellevue Avenue, (Blight est.). 

Shamrock Cliff, Ridge Road, G. M. Hutton. 

Sherwood, Bellevue Avenue, Pembroke Jones. 

Slate Hill Farm, Middletown, Edgar M. Phelps. 

Snug Harbor, Bellevue Avenue, Mrs. Charles H. Baldwin. 

Sonnenshein, Halidon Hill, Miss Vanderpoel. 

Southside, Narragansett Avenue, Mrs. Robert Ives Gammell. 

Stoneacre, Bellevue Avenue, (Thomas) Joseph E. Widener. 

Stoneholm, Bellevue Avenue and Webster Street, Mrs. Joseph F. Stone. 

Stoneleigh, (Thorn Estate) John Sanford. 

Stone Villa, Bellevue Avenue, (Bennett) Russian Embassy. 

Sunnycroft, Red Cross Avenue, H. Casimir DeRham. 

Sunnyfields Farm, Middletown, M. M. Van Beuren. 

Sunnylawn, 25 Malbone Avenue, William Brenton Greene. 

Sunnylea, Bellevue Avenue, (Cramp) Edson Bradley. 

Sunset Lawn, Maple Avenue, Andrews Estate. 

Sunset Ridge, Ridge Road, Lewis Cass Ledyard. 

Swallows Cave, Indian Avenue, Howard L. Clark. 

Swanhurst, Bellevue Avenue, George L. Rives. 

Touro Manor, Mill Street, F. P. Garrettson. 

Train Villa, Bellevue and Bailey's Beach, Paulding Foscick. 

Tranquility Cottage, Cottage Street, Frederick Paine. 

Tudor Lodge, Old Beach Road, Mrs. W. Rogers Morgan. 

Twin Oaks, Oakwood Terrace, Admiral F. E. Chadwick. 

Vernon Court, Bellevue and Shepard Avenues, Mrs. Richard Gambrill. 

Villarosa, Bellevue Avenue, Mrs. James B. Haggin. 

Villino, The, Red Cross Avenue, Miss Skinner. 

Villino, The, Bellevue Avenue, Charles B. Hillhouse. 

Vinland, Ochre Point, Mrs. H. McK. Twombly. 

Wabun, Catherine Street and Gibbs Avenue, Dr. John J. Mason. 

Wakehurst, Ochre Point and Leroy Avenues, James J. Van Alen. 

Wayside, Bellevue Avenue, Elisha Dyer. 

Westcliff, Ledge Road, Mrs. T. 0. Richardson. 

Whitehall, Catherine Street, James J. Coogan. 

Whiteholme, Narragansett and Ochre Point, Dr. H. B. Jacobs. 

White Ldoge, Bellevue Avenue, Lispenard Stewart. 

Wild Acre, Ocean Drive, Albert H. Olmstead. 

Wildmoor, Hammersmith Road, Charles L. Baker. 

Windecke, 80 Catherine Street, Binney estate. 

Wrestholme, Catherine Street, Walker Breese Smith. 

Wyndham, Beacon Hill, Miss Rosa Anne Grosvenor. 

Wyndhurst, Bellevue Avenue, Mrs. J. J. Post. 

Zabriskie House, Rhode Island Avenue, Charles P. Kling. 

ZeeRust, Narragansett Avenue, Forsythe Wickes. 



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